Lake Nicaragua - Supporting the rural community in Granada, Nicaragua. Part 2

iseeitravel.org Jicaro Island Ecolodge, a luxury property located on the idyllic Isletas de Granada in Lake Nicaragua provides travelers with a unique five star vacation experience. It also provides support for the primarily rural community it resides in. The property itself sits on a one-acre island among a chain of 365 miniature islands in the area, some of which house other luxury properties but most of which are occupied by farmers and fisherman. Despite this dichotomy, businesses such as Jicaro have made it their mission to integrate themselves into the local community. "We want the people of the island community to be proud to have us here, to work here, to see Jicaro as a benefit," says general manager Howard Coulson. Saul Victorino, a local fisherman who lives on an island about 20 minutes away from Jicaro was recently hired to work maintenance and also sells his fish to the hotel. He is grateful for the job, and the opportunity to provide a better life for his wife and two daughters. He is also grateful that the hotel has implemented a culture of sustainability and education around the islands. He says he's learned a lot in terms of recycling and how to dispose of trash correctly and his neighbors have caught wind as well. Saul has been encouraged by the hotel to offer artisan fishing tours where he teaches guests the art of the Nicaraguan catch. Coulson says the hotel is proud to promote this type of real cultural exchange. Although it would be easier to hire ...